Russia Converted Up to 17 S-400 Launchers for Strikes on Ukraine — DIU

Russia has converted up to 17 launchers of the S-400 air defense system for missile strikes against targets in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (DIU) said this in response to a UNIAN request.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Russian command operates five special missile groups deployed in the Bryansk and Rostov regions.

“The total number of converted launchers of this air defense system that the enemy can use to conduct strikes is up to 17,” the intelligence service reported.

Russia is actively using RM-48U missiles to strike Ukraine, with the missiles launched from converted S-400 launchers.

S-400 air defense system missile launch. Photo credits: TASS

The DIU also reported increased use of these missiles. From January through June, Russia used about 15 RM-48U missiles per month, while it used 46 of them in the first 20 days of July alone.

The intelligence service links the increase to an expansion in ballistic strikes against targets in Kyiv.

“The decision to increase the use of RM-48U missiles is linked to their lower cost compared with Iskander-M missiles, as well as a significant stockpile of these missiles — about 400 units,” the DIU noted.

Russian defense industry enterprises can currently produce new S-400 launchers and upgrade existing ones.

The RM-48U missiles, which are essentially ballistic missiles developed from the 48N6 family of surface-to-air missiles, have been found to contain French 3SP Technologies laser modules.

The missiles carry high-explosive fragmentation warheads weighing about 150–180 kg. The first confirmed use of the missile occurred on the night of January 20, 2026. They were subsequently used in combined strikes against Ukrainian cities.

In 2026, the Russian leadership planned to produce more than 480 RM-48U missiles.